Although, according to
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-015, Windows 98, Windows 98SE, and Windows ME are all critically affected by
this vulnerability, no mention was made of patches for these operating systems when the bulletin was first
released last April. However, it is now clear that Microsoft has deemed it unfeasible to patch against
this vulnerability on these systems. This is explained in the
Microsoft Technet weblog
where it is recommended that users of these systems set up firewalls to filter traffic on TCP port 139.
These users are also encouraged to upgrade to Windows XP as soon as possible. Microsoft will issue no more
patches or security updates for these systems after 11 July 2006 and will end all
public and technical support for them on this date. Online self-help support is due to end a year later.